Preview – FN Herstal FNS-9

Striker-fire, polymer-framed pistols have really come into their own over the past couple of decades. Their simplicity and reliability make them a fantastic option for anyone who requires a no-nonsense handgun. Heckler & Koch’s VP70 was the world’s first polymer-frame, strikerfire pistol. Since its release, Glock came on the scene and revolutionized the way we look at polymer guns. Glock’s successful line of handguns spurred other manufacturers to get into the market, with manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson, Springfeld Armory, and Ruger each developing their own line of polymer, striker-fire guns as well. The latest manufacturer to join in is FN Herstal with its FNS line of pistols.

STANDARD FEATURES

The first thing that comes to mind when looking at the FNS-9 is that it’s a good-looking gun. Its simple lines and chiseled slide make for a very clean, yet muscular, firearm. Some enthusiasts don’t care about looks, but looks are important to us here at RECOIL, and we believe they do help enhance the experience of owning and collecting guns. The FNS-9’s barrel and slide are both made of stainless steel. The slide features front and rear cocking serrations that are nice touches, and is available in a black or silver finish. The 4-inch barrel is hammerforged with a 1:10-inch twist rate and has polished feed ramps. For those who are familiar with the Springfeld Armory XD 4-inch service model, the FNS-9’s size and weight are very similar. For those used to Glock 9mms, the FNS-9 fits in between the G17 and G19.

Standard sights for the FNS-9 are Trijicon three-dot, glow-in-the-dark, tritium night sights. The rear sight features a Deep-V notch, and the tritium vials are recessed, making them subdued under bright daylight. If you prefer a plain rear sight like we do, you will really appreciate the design of the rear sight and how it makes the front dot quick to pick up. In low light, the front and rear tritium glows green with equal brightness, making the dots easy to acquire and align.

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